AFC Northeath 4 St Michaels F C 7 Game played on 22/12/13
This game was played throughout in a strong wind and on a pitch that was a total glue pot making good passing football almost impossible. It was a credit to both sides that they battled and in the end produced a decent game of football filled with action and plenty of goals.
The first goal came after 10 minutes when a Danny Baptiste corner was superbly volleyed in by Conor Reardon to give St Michaels the lead. Seven minutes later a good pass from Adam Fahy saw Danny Baptiste score a fine goal to increase the lead. On 23 minutes a good volleyed goal for Northeath reduced the deficit and after 40 minutes they scored the equaliser. But on the stroke of half time Adam Fahy crossed the ball and Danny Baptiste tapped in to restore St Michaels lead at 2 – 3.
On 60 minutes an error from Connor Reardon lead to an easy equaliser for Northeath. St Michaels came back strong and 2 minutes later a lob from Ryan Nibbs led to a good shot from Danny Baptiste finding the net for his Hat Trick. 2 minutes later Danny Baptiste’s corner went straight in off the keeper’s hand to knotch his 4th goal of the game.
On 65 minutes Rob Tarrant replaced Ryan Nibbs and 8 minutes later Ben Baptiste replaced Tom Pexton and Ronnie Mewes replaced the free scoring Danny Baptiste who is now the club’s all time leading goalscorer. A minute later an Adam Fahy corner was headed into the net by Rob Tarrant to make the score 3 – 6. With only 8 minutes to go Northeath scored their 4th goal but St Michaels had the final say when a mistake in the Northeath defence saw Ronnie Mewes tap in to make the final score 4 – 7.
A good battling performance in terrible conditions with St Michaels coming out worthy winners and gaining all 6 points from their rivals who pipped them for last season’s 1st Division title. Special mentions for Dan Regan, Tom Pexton and Ryan Nibbs on a quagmire of a pitch. Man of the Match however goes to Danny Baptiste who worked tirelessly as well as scoring 4 fine goals.
